By Jun Ray Navarres
Ateneo de Manila University dashed University of the East’s Final Four hopes in UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament with a nail-biting 71-67 victory at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday evening.
Jared Bahay stepped up in the clutch for Ateneo as his go-ahead three-pointer and a contested layup secured a crucial 69-67 advantage for the Blue Eagles.
Rainer Maga had a chance to tie the ball game for UE but was met with a tight defense from the Blue Eagles. Chris Koon secured the rebound which resulted to Sean Quiteves’ two made free throws on the other end.
Bahay’s stellar performance sent the Red Warriors in a tight situation as they dropped to a 6-7 tie with University of Santo Tomas but the latter having the advantage due to win over the other rule.
“I’m happy being able to make the shots and coach Tab trusting me to take those shots is a big confidence booster to me,” said Bahay.
With Precious Momowei out due to suspension, Ateneo dominated the boards and built a 15-point lead over UE in the second quarter.
The Red Warriors rallied back in the third quarter which carried over to the final period capped by Rainer Maga sinking a three to put UE up by five, 65-60, with 4:15 to go.
However, that was it as the Recto-based squad were held scoreless.
This victory snapped the Blue Eagles’ three-game losing streak and improved to 4-9 despite getting eliminated in the Final Four contention – first time since 2013.
“There is more than just pride to play for. There’s the uniform that we wear and trying to live up to the standards that is expected of us by our community, by our teammates, and by ourselves. I was just very happy with the team today because they played with so much effort and resolve,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
Bahay finished with 11 points while Andrew Bongo led the way with 15 including six rebounds. Koon tallied 12 points and 10 boards while Joshua Lazaro sported an 11-point and 12-rebound double-double.
Meanwhile, Maga paced the Red Warriors with 15 points, while John Abate chipped in 11 points. They’ll need a miracle against University of the Philippines on Wednesday to clinch a Final Four berth.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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